Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls (LW2x) – Final

A-Final

Poland and Italy tussled for the lead at the start of this race with Italy having a slightly faster pace. Then Patricia Merz and Frederique Rol of Switzerland went up to challenge for the front. The spread between the entire field at the first 500m mark was less than two seconds and Romania and New Zealand were yet to show their World Championship and World silver medal status.

Valentina Rodini and Federica Cesarini of Italy got to the half way point in the lead in this very tight race. There was still less than two seconds between the whole field. Switzerland was just back in second with Ionela-Livia Cozmiuc and Gianina-Elena Beleaga of Romania moving into third. Italy then moved into the final sprint having broken away from the field. What a race for Rodini and Cesarini! But now the Netherlands crew of Marieke Keijser and Ilse Paulis came flying. They had got the silver. There was a photo finish for third. Romania had done it by 0.02 of a second.

Results: ITA, NED, ROU, SUI, NZL, POL

Federica Cesarini (s), Italy, gold
“It was really good as we felt strong and we’re very determined. Last year I had a lower back problem which I’ve recently recovered from so it’s good to race. However, we still don’t know when we will be racing next and in what boat.”

Ilse Paulis (s), Netherlands, silver
“We expected the racing to be really tight as there are a lot of really good lightweight doubles. No one really sticks out from the field, which makes racing really exciting. Well done to Italy today and we will see them later on in the season.”

Gianina-Elena Beleaga (s), Romania, bronze
“Today was a good race as there are a lot of very strong boats. Our plan now is to head back and do lots more training.” 

Re-watch the live race here

B-final

It was a good even start with Australia perhaps the slowest. Then Great Britain One took a lead over China Two who was the fastest crew from yesterday’s semifinals. Great Britain One held onto the lead until the final sprint when Qiang Wu and Guoru Liang of China Two got the lead.

Results: CHN2, GBR1, CHN1, GBR2, AUS2, GER